Arsene Wenger brings Laurent Koscielny to Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has signed French defender Laurent Koscielny for £10m

Arsene Wenger has tracked the 24-year-old for some time, with Koscielny – who is also eligible to play for Poland – impressing in the French domestic league.

The Gunners boss needs cover at the back, with Celtic target Sol Campbell mulling over a new one-year deal and fellow veterans William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre set to leave after the end of their contracts.

Wenger said: “Koscielny is a central defender with great ability who performed extremely well last season for Lorient.

“We identifi ed him as a very strong centre-half, who has made big progress very quickly.

“He is mentally strong, a fighter and a very strong competitor. He is a great addition to our squad.”

Koscielny himself said: “It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. It is exceptional to have a club like Arsenal wanting to sign you.

“I don’t believe any French player would have refused to come and play for Arsenal. It is a very big club that plays in the Champions League and it is always near the top of the Premier League. Arsenal is a reference for football and we all know the quality of their game.

“The decision was quickly taken. I took the decision the day after hearing about their interest in me.

“I know the club have the means and the ambition to get that Premier League title and to go as far as possible in the Champions League.”

Koscielny added: “It is nice for French players to come and join a team like Arsenal where there are so many other French players. It will help me to integrate easily in the team.

“I have great respect for Arsene Wenger. He uses lots of young players and he allows them to play.”

Koscielny, who will wear the number six shirt, could make his debut in the friendly at Barnet on July 17.

Wenger has already secured Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh on a Bosman free from Bordeaux, while he is also weighing up a move for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.